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The consequences of burnout can be detrimental, so give your mental health the care it deserves. Your greatest threat to excellence
T he topic of burnout has perhaps never been discussed with such frequency in the mainstream as it is today, with COVID-19, fluctuating work environments, and the stress of uncertainty persisting for so long. Though relevant to all, burnout is a topic particularly important for those in the AEC industry. AEC professionals often find themselves working very long hours in entrepreneurial settings, where working harder is rewarded by clients and managers alike. Rise-and-grind culture may enable workers to overperform in the short- term, but studies show that the consequences are usually detrimental.
Alexis Eades
NOT JUST A BUZZWORD. Psychological Science reports that persistent cynicism, overworking, and stress can lead to a rewiring of neural circuits in the brain, making negative thought patterns increasingly automatic. This is burnout. This explains why those experiencing burnout struggle to think clearly and control negative feelings. On a job site, this can be a dangerous mindset. When disruptions arise and unforeseen challenges present themselves, a burned out professional will be more likely to react emotionally and have trouble problem-solving. FIND A COMPANY THAT VALUES EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH. Often, company culture sets the tone for
how comfortable an employee feels prioritizing mental health. Colliers Engineering & Design has implemented myriad practices and initiatives to encourage work-life balance and promote employee wellness. The firm has most recently made a change in HR policy for sick time off, adding mental health days as a formal benefit. With a Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Women’s Organization, Parent Resource Center, Wellness Committee, and comprehensive benefits packages, Colliers Engineering & Design does its best to offer its employees the resources they need to avoid burnout.
See ALEXIS EADES , page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER APRIL 25, 2022, ISSUE 1438
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